REASONS

This is my first IchiRuki fanfic... Actually my first fanfic ever. I've been reading them for a while now and have wanted very badly to write one, but only just not got to it. Please, please, please, PLEASE review and I'll do my best to get back to you. And depending on how well this does, I might make it into a series of one-shots. So REVIEW! Flames are accepted but ignored, and constructive criticism is welcomed with open arms.

This takes place once Rukia comes back after the Soul Society arc.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. But, so far I've been a VERY good girl, Santa! (hint, hint)

"Baka! Why do you insist on doing such stupid things?" Rukia was screaming at Ichigo after yet another fight with a hollow. He had jumped in front of her at the last second as the hollow was about to attack Rukia and he killed it. She had been silently glowering the whole way home, refusing to allow him to walk beside her. Ichigo wasn't sure if it was because he had taken the fight from her or because he had protected her. As soon as Ichigo closed the door to his bedroom, she had let him have it.

Rubbing the spot on his head where he had hit in on the floor after Rukia power-kicked him, Ichigo sat up. "I was fighting the hollow, moron! That's what we do!"

Rukia sent Ichigo back to the floor with another kick. "We do fight hollows, but not like mindless idiots! I know it's hard for you to grasp, Strawberry," Rukia said in a mocking tone, "but please. Do not jump into the path of a hollow's mouth when it's about to take a bite!" She sighed and sat on his bed. "Why would you do that? Are you really that brainless?"

Ichigo timidly sat back up, worried she would kick him again. When she didn't, he moved to sit by her on his bed. Without looking at her, he replied, "Do you really think I would waste all that time saving your midget ass just to have you eaten by a meager hollow? Maybe you're the brainless one."

Rukia's jaw dropped, but only for a second. Before Ichigo could see what she was doing, she whacked him on the back of his head.

"Baka! I can take care of myself!"

Ichigo stood up angrily and pointed his finger accusatorially at her. "IT WAS ABOUT TO EAT YOU!" he shouted.

Ichigo expected her to yell again and maybe through a heavy object at him, but she didn't. She sat on the bed, looking straight-forward with a face full of remorse.

Rukia's eyes began to tear up as she whispered, "Why do you insist on constantly saving me, Ichigo? Why do you put yourself in danger time after time for me?"

Ichigo sat back down beside her and wrapped his arms around her small frame. As she quietly cried onto his chest, he ran his fingers through her hair and remained quiet.

After staying in this position for a long time, Ichigo tilted Rukia's face towards his. Carefully wiping her tears away with the pad of his thumb, he smiled slightly.

"Baka... I will always protect you. Always. I..." he trailed off, battling with himself. He had always been the guy without hormones, without taking a second look at a girl, even those as beautiful as Inoue. But when Rukia came into his life...

At first it was as if nothing changed, well, except for the fact that he was now a Shinigami who fought evil souls and had a sword as tall as he was. But over time, he had begun to notice little things Rukia did. The way she slept curled in a ball, the one strand of hair that refused to sweep behind her ear, the way she egged him on constantly, the way she screamed at him, the way that, no matter how many times he showed her, she still couldn't figure out the way to properly use a juice box... And when Renji and Byakukya took her away, when she looked back at him for what she believed to be the last time, he suddenly realized that he loved her.

And then he saved her. And then she didn't come back with him. He was devastated, though he hid it well. When she came back, the rain stopped again. She was his heart and soul, the reason for him to live.

He hadn't told her this yet. Now he was battling with himself on whether it was a good moment to do so. When he looked into her teary eyes, he knew that the time had come.

"Rukia, I..." He swallowed and tried again. "Rukia, I love you. And I will protect you with everything I am and everything I have because without you, I have no reason to live."

She stared up at him in shocked silence for a good 30 seconds.

Ichigo scratched his head awkwardly. "Sorry... if that's weird for you to hear. But I wanted you to kno-mmmm!"

Rukia had reached up and grabbed his face, capturing his lips with her's. Ichigo's eyes widened before he closed them and kissed her back so enthusiastically that they were both out of breath within a matter of seconds. They broke apart gasping for air, but still holding each other close.

"Rukia, I-"

"Baka!" Rukia shouted, smiling slightly. "Shut up and kiss me!"

Ichigo didn't hesitate to obey.

So? How'd I do? Review, please!